How Public Parks Are Becoming Pickleball Destinations
For a long time, public parks were where pickleball players made it work: taping lines, sharing courts, and showing up with a net in the trunk.
Local parks are investing in pickleball court expansions.
It’s less about convenience now, and more about showing up somewhere that feels like home—even if you’ve never been there before. A place to plug in, play a few games, and leave feeling like you were part of something. That’s exactly what public parks are offering. And it’s why they’re becoming true pickleball destinations.
From Local Convenience to Travel Priority
One of the clearest signs of this shift? Paddles are becoming carry-on essentials.
Take Darius Christian, one of Empower Pickleball’s ambassadors. He’s a musician who travels the country on tour, and he brings his paddle everywhere. When he’s not on stage, he’s on the court—dropping in to meet new players and squeeze in a few games.
Then there’s the traveling professional who packs a paddle before even thinking about shoes. He’s played in more cities than he can count, mostly by finding public parks where the locals are already playing. It’s become a ritual: land, Google the nearest courts, and head there after meetings.
And they’re not alone. Public pickleball courts have become a way for travelers to connect with a city—not just pass through it.
What Makes Parks the Perfect Pickleball Spot?
Accessibility: No membership. No fuss. Just show up and play.
Built-in community: There’s usually someone there already—and if not, they’re coming.
Local flavor: From taped lines to pro-level builds, public parks reflect the people who use them, and often the volunteers who made them possible.
Pickleball players tend to be welcoming by nature. Drop in at most public courts, and you’ll find someone willing to rotate in, share the ropes, or point you toward the next local league. That’s part of the magic.
Real Examples, Real Growth
At Neighborhood Pickleball in Aspinwall, PA, things started with tape and chalk on a basketball court. Over time, that turned into hand-painted lines and a passionate community showing up every week. Now, thanks to a $200,000 grant and ongoing fundraising efforts, they’re on track to build four professional-level courts—cementing their place as a regional destination for public play.
Nearby, another park has grown from just seven courts to over twenty. There’s a winter dome, a membership model, and enough demand to fill every court before 9:00 a.m.,even on weekdays.
And in East Naples, Florida, public play has reached a whole new level. With 65 dedicated courts, East Naples Community Park is the permanent home of the US Open Pickleball Championships, drawing thousands of players from across the country. As co-founder Chris Evon described it:
“It was a lot of fun, a park environment at East Naples Community Park, that low-key, good vibe, family-friendly atmosphere that people loved… We heard a lot of people put the US Open on their bucket list.”
Not Just Play—Connection
It’s easy to forget how powerful something like a public court can be. When done right, it becomes more than just a space—it becomes a place where strangers become regulars, and games turn into community.
You see it in the early-morning regulars chatting over coffee. In the group texts coordinating a game while someone’s in town. In the strangers-turned-friends who keep showing up week after week.
Public parks offer a kind of connection that’s hard to manufacture—especially when you’re on the move. They’re reliable. Familiar. Open. And increasingly, they’re where the heart of pickleball lives.
The Challenges (And Opportunities)
Of course, growth doesn’t come without complications. Some neighborhoods have begun limiting court hours due to noise complaints. Tennis players are pushing back on court conversions. And in some areas, access now comes with membership fees or reservation systems—changes that shift the spirit of public play.
That said, communities are getting creative. From noise-reducing balls to designated play hours, solutions are in motion—and most parks agree: the demand isn’t slowing down.
Why Empower Shares These Stories
At Empower, we’re passionate about highlighting the people and places making a difference in the sport. From local groups building courts to travelers dropping into pickup games, these are the stories that show what pickleball is really about.
Tournament, work trip, weekend away—wherever you’re going, bring the paddle. Search for a nearby park. Join a pickup game. Support the players who are building something in their backyard.
Because public parks aren’t just places to play.
They’re destinations.
And they’re worth showing up for.
